Bipolar Nutrients: Pyroluria mineral balances

With the relatively high doses of zinc and B6 (or P5P) for pyroluria, the balance with other minerals becomes an important consideration.


Manganese 
Manganese is given almost routinely to pyrolurics, in whom it is usually depleted, and then decreased further by the high supplemental zinc.


Insufficient manganese can foster depression and memory problems, and compromise sugar and protein metabolism, and joint function.
On the other hand, excess can raise blood pressure in susceptible persons, and may contribute to movement disorders in histadelics.

Pyroluric dosage is typically 5-20 mg, depending on individual requirements (Dr. Joan Larson, PhD)

Zinc/ B6 (or P5P)/ manganese imbalances can foster seizures.

Thus, untreated pyrolurics are prone to seizures. Similarly, nutrient intake must be fine-tuned to support neurological stability.


Magnesium
See more on magnesium in my blogpost on May 10th, and the two posts on April 20th. 


Magnesium/B6 balance

Dr. Bernard Rimland, PhD, finds magnesium helps prevent sound sensitivity and irritability from excess B6.

 

Copper/Zinc Balance

After months of high zinc, the pyroluric sometimes needs very small quantities of copper to support zinc absorption, or to prevent anemia, support antioxidant and immune function, or nourish the musculoskeletal system.
On the other hand, if given too much, the pyroluric will worsen, and psychosis or other severe symptoms may emerge.
-- Dr. Carl Pfeiffer, MD, PhD

Labs

Urinary pyrroles
B6: EGOT, red cell P5P
plasma or red cell zinc, copper, magnesium
whole blood manganese
Also consider symptomatic response. 

Actual treatment must be tailored to each patient's unique biochemical requirements. So, if you need treatment for bipolar disorder, consult a knowledgeable physician.

Nutrients and Bipolar Mania: Magnesium as a Calcium Channel Blocker

Magnesium, is our major natural calcium channel blocker. 
 
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) inactivate calcium channels, reducing calcium entrance into the cell and increasing levels without (e.g., serum), generally increasing inhibition.


Pharmaceutical trials suggest CCBs support mood stabilization in some bipolars, particularly rapid, and ultra rapid cyclers. and may be most effective in mania, Some studies suggests preventive benefit, particularly when used with lithium.


Magnesium, similarly, controls calcium pumps and blocks calcium uptake to the nerve cell, reducing stimulation, and seems to convey similar effects on mood.

See Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder for references and further discussion.

Nutrients and Bipolar Mania: Reactions to high doses

Orthomolecular medicine used to be called Megavitamin therapy. As the name suggests, the approach, in general, is to bring dosage toward the level that has the optimum positive effect.

But how do you know if you have too much?

I am not going to cover all indications, contraindications, etc. For more complete discussions, see my book.  (And do consult a knowledgeable physician for treatment.)

Meanwhile, here are some easy-to-notice reactions to too much
of the nutrients we've already talked about:

Vitamin C - diarrhea.

Magnesium - (1) diarrhea; (2) some potential for oversedation; especially with a magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) bath (which is inadvisable if also taking sedative psych meds or herbs).

Vitamin D - (1) insomnia (especially if taken later in the day); (2) overstimulation (e.g., usually with many thousands of mg.)

Zinc -  (1) nausea, though this may just be due to not enough B6; (2) with very high doses, oversedation. See the next entry.